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JOINING Toastmasters is a life-changing experience, say its Killarney members. Toastmasters International was set up in 1922 by Ralph Smedley with the aim of improving public speaking, interview and leadership skills.

The Killarney Toastmasters Club hosted its annual dinner at the Randles Hotel on Saturday, where club member Debby Looney reflected how clubs have the same set of goals to this day – to help people improve their speaking and leadership skills so they can be more confident at work and socially.

“I went in myself hardly able to keep a conversation going, usually looking at my shoes, but now, though I am not a great speaker by any means, I do have the gumption to get up in front of people and have my say!” said Debby. “In terms of leadership, through taking on roles at a meeting you learn how to delegate, be fair and understanding, and what was important for me, how to say no without offending or feeling like you've let someone down!”

There are clubs in Killarney, Tralee and West Limerick (Newcastlewest) and a club is in the process of being formed in Listowel. “It is not formal, or stuffy which seems to be a common misconception. Our youngest members are 18, and we have members from all walks of life, retirees, farmers, manual labourers, accountants, pharmacists, shop assistants and home makers- the list is endless!” said Debby.

Toastmasters also organises community outreach programmes, for instance in St Brigid’s Presentation Secondary and St Brendan’s College, Killarney. Killarney Toastmasters Club meets every second and fourth Tuesday of the month, in The Dromhall Hotel; email killarneytoastmasters@gmail.com or call 086-6088156.
 

 
Above: Members of Toastmasters at the Killarney Toastmasters dinner in the Randles Hotel on Saturday. PICTURE: DYLAN CLIFFORD